The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word CHOICES
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
C
H
O
I
C
E
S
Buddy explains!
The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does CHOICES mean?
CHOICES noun- An option; a decision; an opportunity to choose or select something.
- The power to choose.
- One selection or preference; that which is chosen or decided; the outcome of a decision.
- Anything that can be chosen.
- (usually with the) The best or most preferable part.
- Care and judgement in selecting; discrimination, selectiveness.
- A sufficient number to choose among.